Monkey with orange lips identified as newfound species

Orange-Lipped Primate Recognized as Fifth New African Monkey Species in Seven Decades

Monkey with orange lips identified as newfound – Scientists have officially identified a previously unknown monkey species residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This remarkable primate, scientifically named Colobus congoensis and locally called Likweli, possesses striking orange lips and produces a deep, resonant roar. The findings were detailed in a study published Wednesday within the academic journal PLOS ONE. According to the research, this represents only the fifth instance of a new monkey species being documented across the African continent over the past seventy-five years.

Physical Characteristics and Scientific Classification

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University alongside colleagues at the City University of New York Graduate Center provided comprehensive descriptions of the animal. The monkey features a lustrous black coat, extended fur length, and an impressive sweeping tail. Its face displays prominent orange-cream colored markings that contrast beautifully with its dark fur. The scientists noted that unique cranial, dental, and skeletal traits clearly distinguish this species from all other African colobus monkeys currently known to science.

At approximately fifteen pounds or 6.8 kilograms, the new species is notably smaller than its related Colobus cousins. Florida Atlantic University described the animal as having sleek, light-reflecting fur combined with dramatic facial features formed by long black facial hairs and substantial folded ears.

Evolutionary Significance and Genetic Evidence

The discovery carries substantial implications for understanding how African monkeys evolved over millions of years. Study senior author Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, emphasized the importance of the findings. She explained that the monkey’s closest known relative is Colobus satanas, which inhabits regions more than 1,200 kilometers or 746 miles away in west-central Africa.

“The discovery of Colobus congoensis is reshaping our understanding of African monkey evolution,” Detwiler stated. “Yet our genetic evidence shows the two species diverged roughly 4 to 5 million years ago, marking one of the oldest known evolutionary splits within the Colobus lineage.”

Decades of Research and Documentation

The journey to formally describing this species began in 2008 when researchers conducting fieldwork in east-central DRC captured photographs of an unusual monkey. A decade passed before scientists obtained clearer observations. Between 2018 and 2022 alone, the team recorded 114 separate sightings of the animals in their natural habitat.

Establishing the species required multiple lines of evidence beyond simple field observations. Researchers examined museum collections and comparative datasets, analyzing skulls, pelts, and skeletal anatomy alongside specimens from established African colobus monkeys. Genetic analysis and local ecological knowledge also played crucial roles in confirming the discovery.

“When a potential new species is discovered, the evidence has to be overwhelming,” explained coauthor Christopher Gilbert, professor of anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center and Hunter College. “Those comparisons allowed us to demonstrate conclusively that Colobus congoensis represents a distinct species.”

Conservation Challenges and Future Protection

Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, conservation concerns loom large for Likweli. The documented sightings span a relatively limited area of approximately 1,700 square kilometers or 656 square miles. The researchers have proposed classifying the species as Endangered due to its restricted geographic range, ongoing habitat loss, and increasing hunting pressure.

Most of the known habitat for this primate exists within Lomami National Park, making the protection of this region absolutely critical for the species’ long-term survival. The vast Congolese rainforest where the animal resides remains largely unexplored by scientists, which helps explain why the species went undetected for so long.

Expert Validation and Local Knowledge

Alexander Georgiev, a senior lecturer in primatology at Bangor University in Wales who did not participate in the study, praised the research as “very thorough and convincing.” He noted that discovering a new monkey species unknown both to science and to local populations is exceptionally rare and exciting.

Georgiev highlighted that study authors reported residents in only eight out of fifty-two villages bordering the species’ range could provide information about the primate. This limited local awareness, combined with the enormous size of the Congolese rainforest, accounts for the lengthy timeline before scientific documentation could be achieved.